U.S. patent application number 11/747013 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-11 for step-action indexing mechanism.
Invention is credited to Alfred Von Schuckmann.
Application Number | 20070235027 11/747013 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35407047 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070235027 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schuckmann; Alfred Von |
October 11, 2007 |
Step-Action Indexing Mechanism
Abstract
The invention relates to a step-by-step mechanism, particularly
for hand-held devices for the portioned delivery of medicaments to
be inhaled, comprising a graduated collar, which can be moved
during an actuation stroke and which encircles the center axis of
the housing. In order to provide a step-by-step mechanism of the
aforementioned type with a more reliable operation while, in a
spatially advantageous manner, having a simplified design, the
invention provides that the switching finger(s) are permitted to
slope upward from a hub located in the center.
Inventors: |
Schuckmann; Alfred Von;
(Kevelaer, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ST. ONGE STEWARD JOHNSTON & REENS, LLC
986 BEDFORD STREET
STAMFORD
CT
06905-5619
US
|
Family ID: |
35407047 |
Appl. No.: |
11/747013 |
Filed: |
May 10, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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PCT/EP05/55823 |
Nov 8, 2005 |
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11747013 |
May 10, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
128/200.17 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 15/0073 20140204;
G06M 1/083 20130101; G06M 1/241 20130101; A61M 15/009 20130101;
G06M 1/041 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
128/200.17 |
International
Class: |
A61M 11/00 20060101
A61M011/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 10, 2004 |
DE |
10 2004 054 179.5 |
Jul 18, 2005 |
DE |
10 2005 033 398.2 |
Claims
1. Step-action indexing mechanism, in particular for hand-held
units for apportioned delivery of inhaler medicaments, having an
annular housing encircled, around its longitudinal axis, by a scale
ring which is moved in a stepwise manner by indexing fingers which
pivot, counter to spring loading, in the direction of a plane
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing during the
actuating stroke and thus via toothed engagement means cause the
scale ring to rotate, characterized in that an annular part, which
is disposed in a rotationally fixed manner in the housing, has at
least one slot which extends obliquely upward from the lower
peripheral edge for the insertion of a guide pin of a step-action
indexing-finger star, the step-action indexing fingers of which
extend from a central hub, in opposite directions, directed
obliquely upward in the form of a secant, and, during the actuating
stroke, counter to their inherent spring stressing, enter, moving
inwardly, into the toothed engagement means in order to rotate the
scale ring.
2. Step-action indexing mechanism according to claim 1,
characterized in that the scale ring is rotated via a planet-gear
mechanism, the planet gear of which is mounted in a bore of the
scale ring and the associated sun gear of which is seated on a disk
which is toothed on the underside and in the teeth of which the
step-action indexing fingers engage, the planet-gear mechanism
passing on the angle of rotation of the disk to the scale ring in
stepped-down form.
3. Step-action indexing mechanism according to claim 1,
characterized in that the hub of the step-action indexing-finger
star has a central bore and, by way of its underside end surface,
is associated with a supporting portion.
4. Step-action indexing mechanism according to claim 1,
characterized in that the axes of all the indexing members are
located perpendicularly to the plane of the scale ring.
5. Step-action indexing mechanism according to claim 1,
characterized in that the hub is spaced apart from the underside of
the base of the housing.
6. Step-action indexing mechanism according to claim 1,
characterized in that the actuating stroke, which is introduced
into the housing top, continues via the scale ring, the planet-gear
mechanism, and via the toothing formation, into the more or less
flat-state indexing fingers which, by engaging in the toothing
formation of the disk, rotate the latter, in the process springing
over the stopping fingers, which prevent return rotation.
7. Step-action indexing mechanism according to claim 1,
characterized by being disposed in a hand-held-unit inhaler such
that the step-action indexing-mechanism housing, which is
configured as a flat plate, including the hub has a central hole
for the through-passage of the inhaler valve tube, and is latched
on the hand-held-unit housing such that it can still be displaced
inward by the actuating stroke, the lower end surface of the hub
being supported in the process on the supporting portion, which has
the central hole.
8. Hand-held appliance for apportioned delivery of inhaler
medicaments through the outlet tubule of a cartridge which is
displaceable for this purpose against opposed spring loading,
characterized by a step-action indexing mechanism according to
claim 1 being arranged held on the cartridge and arranged in such a
way that the spring loading of the cartridge outlet tubule is
aligned for inherent spring loading of the step-action indexing
fingers.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of pending
International patent application PCT/EP2005/055823 filed on Nov. 8,
2005 which designates the United States and claims priority from
German patent applications Nos. 10 2004 054 179.5 filed on Nov. 10,
2004 and 10 2005 033 398.2 filed on Jul. 18, 2005. All prior
applications are herein incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a step-action indexing mechanism
according to the preamble of the main claim.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Such step-action indexing mechanisms e.g. configured in
accordance with GB 1317315, are used in particular in medical
aerosol therapy for the treatment of respiratory conditions. A
pressurized cartridge located in the unit contains the medicament
which is to be inhaled. In order for the latter to be expelled, it
is necessary for the cartridge to be displaced axially in the unit.
The unit, which usually more or less fully encloses the cartridge,
also conventionally has a mouthpiece and/or an adapter for inhaling
through the nose. It is necessary to provide the user with a
counter for indicating the quantity of medicament which has been
used or is still present in the cartridge. Since a defined quantity
of medicament is discharged upon each cartridge actuation, it is
known for the medicament is discharged upon each cartridge
actuation, it is known for the counter to be coupled to the axial
displacement of the cartridge in the inhaler housing for the
purpose of discharging medicaments. The generically determined
solution, which is known for this purpose, is too large to be
accommodated in normal units. Moreover, it is difficult to
assemble, in particular in respect of the step-action indexing
fingers, which are mounted on transverse pins in relation to the
step-action indexing-mechanism housing and are to be loaded by
separate springs. The counting accuracy which can be achieved is
insufficient for use with medicaments. Upon insertion or removal,
e.g. for cleaning purposes, incorrect counting can easily take
place such that the step-action counter counts a step which did not
actually constitute a dispensing step in the inhaler.
[0004] An inhaler appliance is known from EP 480488 with an upper
cap which is displaceable in the direction of a cartridge, which
cap surrounds an annular part from which there extend obliquely,
oppositely-directed resilient step-action indexing fingers, the
ends of which engage in a toothed rim, when the cap is pushed in
the direction of the cartridge, so that the linear displacement of
the cap is converted into a rotational movement of a scale ring.
The rotation of the scale ring is visible through a window provided
on the cap. The solution is costly and is in particular very
disadvantageous in respect of cleanability.
[0005] It is also the case elsewhere that there is a need for
straightforwardly constructed counters which operate
independently.
[0006] In respect of the above described prior art, a technical
problem addressed by the invention is considered as that of
configuring a step-action indexing mechanism of the type in
question in a spatially advantageous manner, along with simplified
construction, such that it is more reliable to handle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] This problem is solved first and foremost by the subject
matter of claim 1, this being based on an annular housing with
indexing members which encircle axes positioned in the longitudinal
direction of the housing. The step-action indexing mechanism fits
in front of the lower end of corresponding (standard) cartridges of
a medicament inhaler and can enclose the outlet tubule thereof. The
construction selected requires only a very small amount of space
and is also formed advantageously as far as cleaning possibilities
and moreover as far as handling during cleaning are concerned. For
all practical purposes, counting is not possible outside the
inhaler or the like. Functioning is ensured merely by purely
mechanically interacting components which, in addition, may further
preferably consist of a single plastics material. This helps to
simplify production, in particular as far as assembly is concerned.
The indexing mechanism is completely independent, that is to say it
need not be carried along by other parts, such as a cartridge.
These indexing fingers also execute the return movement following
actuation.
[0008] The subject matters of the rest of the claims are explained
in relation to the subject matter of the main claim, and present
advantageous developments.
[0009] It is thus further provided that the step-action indexing
mechanism has a concentrically encircling ring with a scale on its
outside, the ring being rotated, via a planet-gear mechanism, by a
likewise concentrically encircling toothed rim which is driven by
the actuating stroke. The rotary movement of the scale ring is
derived from a relative displacement of the step-action indexing
mechanism. The indexing finger of the latter operates on a path
around the center. All that is required is to provide a supporting
portion for the indexing-finger hub. In the case of the step-action
indexing mechanism possibly being removed from a unit, accidental
actuation of the step-action indexing mechanism is not possible on
account of the supporting portion for the indexing finger no longer
being present. The step-action indexing mechanisms can be packed,
and sold, as bulk goods. Furthermore, it is provided that the
planet gear is mounted in a bore of the scale ring, and the
associated sun gear is seated on a disk which is toothed on the
underside. This disk is in engagement with the indexing finger.
Furthermore, a latching finger engages in the toothing formation in
order to secure the rotary position of the disk which has been
reached in each case. The sun gear and toothed disk are preferably
formed as a single part, with coaxial alignment. The planet-gear
mechanism preferably passes on the angle of rotation to the scale
ring in stepped-down form. 200 or 300 stroke actions can
correspondingly be shown on the scale ring. It is further preferred
if the graduated scale of the scale ring, the scale being disposed
on the outer lateral surface of the scale ring and extending in
front of a viewing window of the housing, corresponds in each case
to a number of individual rotary steps of the planet gear. In this
respect, it proves to be advantageous, furthermore, if, as far as
the step-down transmission is concerned, an individual rotary step
of the planet gear takes place following a number of individual
rotary steps of the sun gear. The planet gear, furthermore, is in
engagement, in the radially outward direction, with a toothed rim.
This arrests the respective rotary position of the scale ring. A
slot which extends, directed obliquely upward, from the lower
peripheral edge, for the insertion of the step-action indexing
finger, is provided in order to predetermine thereby the indexing
direction of the finger for rotating the disk on the sun gear
further in a stepwise manner. The step-action indexing finger or
fingers is or are a constituent part of a step-action
indexing-finger star, which has a central hub on which step-action
indexing fingers are integrally formed, these fingers being located
diametrically opposite one another at a radial spacing from the
hub. This step-action indexing-finger star is preferably formed in
one piece, preferably from a plastics material. The step-action
indexing fingers are directed to extend obliquely upward from the
hub, the step-action indexing fingers, furthermore, moving in the
direction of a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis during
the actuating stroke. Accordingly, the step-action indexing fingers
are subjected to stressing during the dispensing movement, i.e.
during the displacement, for example, of a cartridge along its
longitudinal center axis. The step-action indexing-mechanism
housing as a whole moves in this case. When used in normal
inhalers, the hub of the step-action indexing-finger star can be
seated on the end surface of the supporting portion on the
hand-held-unit housing. This supporting portion then has a dual
function: on the one hand, it functions as a triggering element in
conjunction with the valve tube of the cartridge and, on the other
hand, the supporting portion has the function of an abutment for
the step-action indexing-finger star. This means that there is no
possibility at all of actuating the step-action indexing mechanism
outside a unit. The step-action indexing-mechanism housing with the
rest of the indexing members is displaced relative to the
step-action indexing-finger star, this involving movement of the
step-action indexing fingers into the plane oriented
perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis, which gives rise to the
above described prestressing of the step-action indexing fingers
and the advancement of the counter. Following release of the
actuating pressure, the fingers return into their starting position
again. This is achieved by the prestressed step-action indexing
fingers which automatically resume their original, obliquely
upwardly directed position and, in the process, force the indexing
members and the step-action indexing-mechanism housing into their
original positions. Correspondingly, in respect of the return
displacement into a starting position, the step-action indexing
mechanism is decoupled from the cartridge. It has a restoring
spring formed by the step-action indexing fingers. It is preferable
for the entire step-action indexing mechanism, together with the
scale ring, to be enclosed in a round housing, which once again
proves to be advantageous in respect of the desired cleaning of the
housing. There are no gear-mechanism parts exposed which could be
damaged during cleaning, for example by brushing. Rather, a
compact, substantially closed construction is selected. In this
respect, it is further proposed that the step-action
index-mechanism housing, which is configured as a flat plate, has a
central hole for the through-passage of a component. It is also
possible, in addition, for the step-action index-mechanism housing
to be secured--as is known--on the cartridge in the center, beneath
the end wall at the opening end and so as to overlap the cartridge
valve tube, by resilient latching.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The invention will be explained in more detail hereinbelow
with reference to the accompanying drawing, which merely
illustrates various exemplary embodiments and in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 shows, in exploded perspective illustration, the
step-action indexing mechanism for the step-action indexing
mechanism according to the invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 shows a cross-section through the step-action
indexing mechanism;
[0013] FIG. 3 shows a longitudinal section through a hand-held
inhaler unit with a schematically illustrated step-action indexing
mechanism latched on the cartridge thereof;
[0014] FIG. 4 shows a sectional illustration corresponding to FIG.
3, but relating to a different solution, in which the schematically
illustrated step-action indexing mechanism is latched on a
housing;
[0015] FIG. 4a shows a modified embodiment in a sectional
illustration according to FIG. 4, in the case of which the
step-action indexing mechanism in an inhaler is blocked against
being pulled out; and
[0016] FIG. 5 shows a longitudinal section through an inhaler with
step-action indexing mechanism inserted, following separation of an
upper inhaler housing part from its mouthpiece.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The hand-held unit 1 which is shown in a schematic sectional
illustration in FIG. 3 serves for apportioned delivery of sprayable
substances, in particular inhaler medicaments.
[0018] For this purpose, the hand-held unit 1, in the first
instance, has a hand-held-unit housing 2 into which a cartridge 3
containing the sprayable substance can be inserted. This cartridge
3 is axially displaceable in the housing 2. In conventional manner,
the cartridge head 4 has a central valve tube 5, which extends
coaxially in relation to the cartridge 3. A delivery of medicament
is achieved via this valve tube by an axial relative movement
between the cartridge 3 and housing 2. The inhaler housing 2 is in
two parts and comprises two annular parts 6 and 7 which are
disposed one above the other and of which the upper annular part 6
is formed as a passageway and the lower annular part 7 has a
mouthpiece 8 oriented approximately transversely to the extent of
the passageway. This mouthpiece can be closed by a covering cap
(not illustrated). The valve tube 5 of the cartridge 3 is supported
in an associated tubular supporting portion 9 within the lower
annular part 7, it being possible for the cartridge 3 to move
axially within the passage-form annular part 6, which surrounds the
cartridge 3. The supporting portion 9, which accommodates the valve
tube 5 of the cartridge 3 with clamping action and is formed within
the lower annular housing part 7, is provided with a flow channel
10 which has a smaller diameter than a portion accommodating the
valve-tube end and is connected to the valve tube 5 in terms of
flow, that end of the flow channel 10 which is directed away from
the valve tube 5 being oriented in the direction of the mouthpiece
8.
[0019] A step-action indexing mechanism 11 is disposed centrally
beneath the opening-side end wall of the cartridge 3, so as to
overlap the cartridge valve tube 5. This indexing mechanism serves
for registering and/or counting/indicating the dispensing
actuations which have been executed, in dependence on the opening
strokes of the cartridge 3 which have been executed.
[0020] The step-action indexing mechanism 11 is shown in FIG. 1 in
an exploded perspective illustration. The central constituent part
of the step-action indexing mechanism 11 is a planet-gear mechanism
12 consisting of a planet gear 13, a sun gear 14, which is seated
on a disk 15 which is toothed on the underside, and a toothed rim
16, which interacts with the planet gear 13 with arresting action.
This toothed rim is formed on the inner wall of a ring 17 which is
in the form of a tube portion and is secured such that it cannot be
rotated. The lateral wall 18 of the ring 17 has slots 19 passing
through it in diametrically opposite regions, these slots
extending, directed obliquely upward, in the indexing direction and
opening out downward in the direction of the annular edge which is
directed away from the toothed rim 16.
[0021] The toothed rim 16 extends axially approximately over half
the height of the ring 17, the lateral wall 18 of which, being
stepped in the direction of the annular end edge which is directed
away from the toothed rim 16, tapers radially.
[0022] Beneath the toothed rim 16, a latching finger 20 is
integrally formed on the inside of the lateral wall 18 of the ring
17. This latching finger, as seen in a plan view of the ring, is
offset radially inward in relation to the toothed rim 16, and
correspondingly engages in a circular space located radially inside
the toothed rim 16. Furthermore, the arrangement of the latching
finger 20, which is of elastic formation approximately in the
vertical direction, is selected such that this finger engages
approximately in a horizontal plane defined by the lower peripheral
edges of the toothed rim 16.
[0023] The diameter of the disk 15, which carries the sun gear 14,
is selected to be slightly smaller than the internal diameter of
the ring 17 in the region of the toothed rim 16. The sun gear 14
and disk 15 are preferably formed in one piece, from the same
material.
[0024] The disk 15 has, on its underside, a sawtooth formation 21
which runs around the periphery and in which the latching finger 20
of the ring 17 engages as a retaining member (preventing return
rotation).
[0025] The sun gear 14 has a coarse toothing formation. Thus, in
the exemplary embodiment illustrated, eight sun-gear teeth 22 are
distributed uniformly over the circumference of the sun gear 14. As
the sun gear rotates, these teeth 22 interact with the planet gear
13, which is disposed in the same plane between the sun gear 14 and
the toothed rim 16 of the ring 17.
[0026] The planet gear 13 has an axial pin 23 which projects upward
on one side, i.e. in the direction away from the disk 15 of the sun
gear 14. This axial pin is held in a rotatable manner in a bore 24
in the region of a collar 25 of a scale ring 26, this collar being
oriented radially inward in a disk-like manner. The scale ring 26
is provided, on its outer lateral wall, with an encircling
graduated scale 27, the graduated scale corresponding in each case
to a number of individual rotary steps of the planet gear 13, which
advances the scale ring 26. The planet gear additionally meshes
with the toothed rim 16 (see FIG. 2), in order to ensure
intermediate positions of the scale ring.
[0027] The stepwise displacement of the sun gear 14 and/or of the
disk 15, which is integrally formed therewith, takes place via
step-action indexing fingers 28 which can yield resiliently
approximately in the vertical direction. These fingers engage on
the underside of the sawtooth formation 21 of the disk 15.
[0028] The step-action indexing fingers 28 are located
diametrically opposite one another in relation to the main axis x
of the step-action indexing mechanism 11 as a whole. For this
purpose, a cylindrical central body in the form of a hub 29 with a
central axial through-bore 30 is provided in the first instance.
The diameter of this through-bore is slightly larger than the
external diameter of the cartridge valve tube 5, which is to pass
through this through-bore 30.
[0029] At the foot end, the hub 29 merges into a radially widened
collar 31. Radially projecting guide portions 32 are integrally
formed diametrically opposite one another on this collar and, in
the region of their free ends in each case, form a guide pin 33,
which is positioned in the associated slot 19 of the ring 17. The
hub and fingers 28 are located in the interior of the ring 17 and
are set back in relation to the base surface of the housing 34.
[0030] The step-action indexing fingers 28 each have a horizontal
portion rooted on the guide portions 32, leaving the guide pins 33
to project radially outward beyond the horizontal portion. The
step-action indexing fingers 28, which project from the horizontal
portions, extend directed obliquely upward, with the possible
inclusion of an angle of 45 degrees in relation to the horizontal,
this angle being adapted to the slope of the slots 19 in the ring
17. The step-action indexing-finger star thus formed is designated
S.
[0031] The step-action indexing-finger star S, the ring 17, which
contains the inner toothed rim 16, the disk 15, which is integrally
formed with the sun gear 14, and the scale ring 26 are aligned
concentrically in relation to one another along the axis x, the
height of the ring 17 being selected such that both the step-action
indexing-finger star S and the sun gear 14, together with the disk
15, are accommodated therein.
[0032] The entire planet-gear mechanism 12 as well as the
step-action indexing-finger star S and the scale ring 26 are
accommodated in a cup-like step-action indexing-mechanism housing
34 with an external diameter adapted to the external diameter of
the cartridge 3.
[0033] The housing 34 has a lateral wall 35. The latter has a
viewing window 36 through which it is possible to see the graduated
scale 27 of the scale ring 26.
[0034] The housing top 37 contains a central aperture 38 which, in
the embodiment which is shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, is surrounded by
resilient latching tongues 39 which taper conically in the
direction of the housing interior. The aperture diameter is adapted
to a diameter of a narrowed portion 40 of a collar 41 which
projects centrally beyond the opening-side end wall of the
cartridge 3 at the opening end and from which the valve tube 5
extends.
[0035] The housing base 42 is formed by a separate part. The latter
is connected to the housing 34, for example welded or clipped
thereto or secured thereon via a press fit, with the above
described individual parts of the step-action indexing mechanism
being accommodated therein.
[0036] The plate-like housing base 42 has a central bore for the
through-passage of a spike, e.g. of the valve tube 5. Furthermore,
the housing base 42 has formed on it a latching component 44 which,
for holding the ring 17 in position, engages in a window-like
recess 45 correspondingly formed in the lateral wall 18 of the
ring.
[0037] Over the same angle region in which the fitting component 44
is disposed on the base, the outer lateral wall of the housing base
42 has a cutout 46. In the installed state, this is associated with
the region of the outlet cross-section of the flow channel 10 in
the lower annular housing part 7.
[0038] Irrespective of the arrangement which is yet to be described
with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the step-action indexing mechanism
11 basically functions as follows:
[0039] The indexing members (step-action indexing-finger star S,
ring 17, disk 15, planet gear 13 and scale ring 26) as well as the
housing 34 with the housing base 42 are disposed along axes which
extend in the longitudinal direction of the housing 34, that is to
say of the actuating stroke x-x, in the example also of the
cartridge 3. With the exception of the planet gear 13, all the rest
of the components of the step-action indexing mechanism 11 are in
fact positioned along the longitudinal axis x-x of the
cartridge.
[0040] The step-action indexing mechanism 11 can be disposed in an
extremely straightforward manner correspondingly concentrically
within the cross-sectional profile of a component, e.g. the
cartridge 3, specifically in the installation space left between
the cartridge head 4 and supporting portion 9 of a standard inhaler
2. The step-action indexing mechanism 11 is supported on the end
surface of the supporting portion 9 of the inhaler housing 2 by way
of the hub 29 of the step-action indexing-finger star S, this hub
being mounted centrally in the indexing-mechanism housing 34. The
valve tube 5, which passes through the hub 29, provides for
additional centering of the step-action indexing-mechanism unit as
a whole.
[0041] Upon execution of an actuating stroke of the cartridge 3,
and associated vertical displacement of the housing 34 in the
direction of a supporting portion 9, the indexing-mechanism housing
34 is carried along via the cartridge head 4, this taking place
with displacement of the housing 34, of the planet-gear mechanism
12 and of the scale ring 26 relative to the step-action
indexing-finger star S, which is supported on a supporting portion,
in this case item 9. Consequently, the step-action indexing fingers
28, as they are subjected to stressing, and further assisted by the
step-action indexing-finger star S sliding upward with rotary
action in the lateral-wall slots 19 of the ring 17, cause the
stepwise rotary advancement of the sawtoothed disk 15. At the same
time, the sun gear 14 rotates by the same angle. The step-action
indexing fingers 28 thereby move out of the oblique position in the
direction of a plane oriented perpendicularly to the longitudinal
axis x-x.
[0042] If the sun gear 14 has, for example, merely eight teeth
distributed uniformly over the circumference, it is not necessarily
the case that every rotary stepping movement of the sun gear 14
results in a rotary movement of the planet gear 13. Rather, the
rotation of the planet gear 13 about its axis, and the accompanying
rotary displacement of the scale ring 26, takes place only after a
number of individual rotary steps of the sun gear 14. This
cumulative function may be more advantageous than 1:1
transmission.
[0043] According to the illustration in FIG. 3, in certain cases,
the entire step-action indexing mechanism 11 can easily be secured
with latching action on a collar 41 by means of the housing 34. In
association with the viewing window 36 of an inhaler, this window
being located in the housing, the associated portions of the
annular housing parts 6 and 7 then likewise have viewing windows
47, 48 which, by virtue of the position selected, directed toward
the mouthpiece 8 of the housing 2, are located within the field of
vision of the user operating the hand-held unit 1. For securing the
step-action indexing mechanism 11 in position, this mechanism is
provided with a guide blade 49 which projects radially from the
housing 34.
[0044] The step-action indexing mechanism 11 is secured with
latching action such that, when the cartridge 3 is removed from the
housing 2, the step-action indexing mechanism 11 is also pulled
out, remaining on the cartridge 3 in the process. This is quite
possible, even in the medical sector, as a result of the special
construction of the step-action indexing mechanism because, once
removed, the step-action indexing mechanism cannot, for all
practical purposes, be actuated, that is to say it cannot adjust
itself.
[0045] As an alternative, it is thus also possible, as is
illustrated schematically in FIG. 4, for the step-action indexing
mechanism 11 to be latched to the housing 2. For this purpose,
during initial assembly, the step-action indexing mechanism 11
passes beyond one or more radially inwardly projecting latching
protrusions 51 of the housing 2, which latching protrusions 51 then
have collar portions 52, which project radially from the
indexing-mechanism housing 34, gripping beneath them. The latching
protrusions 51 are positioned, as seen in the vertical direction,
so as to ensure the vertical displaceability of the step-action
indexing mechanism 11 upon stroke actuation of the cartridge 3. The
arrangement selected results in the latching protrusions 51 forming
holding-down means which keep the step-action indexing mechanism 11
in the housing 2 when the cartridge 3 is pulled out. It is then
also the case that the indexing mechanism cannot adjust itself.
[0046] A further embodiment (not illustrated) may provide for a
combination of the embodiments according to the illustrations in
FIGS. 3 and 4 in which the step-action indexing mechanism 11 is
latched on the collar 41 on the cartridge head by means of the
resilient latching tongue 39. Such a preassembled
cartridge/step-action indexing-mechanism unit is introduced into
the housing 2 of the inhaler prior to initial assembly of the
latter, collar portions 52 which project radially on the
indexing-mechanism housing 34 passing over latching protrusions 51
on the unit housing in a manner corresponding to the second
exemplary embodiment, which results in the step-action indexing
mechanism 11 being secured definitively in the housing 2. This
latching between the step-action indexing mechanism 11 and inhaler
housing 2 is selected to be more pronounced than the latching
between the step-action indexing mechanism 11 and cartridge 3 and
accordingly, if the cartridge 3 is pulled out following initial
use, the latching between the cartridge 3 and step-action indexing
mechanism 11 is released. The re-insertion of the cartridge 3 is
facilitated by a relatively weak resilient latching formation for
interacting with the collar 41 on the cartridge head.
[0047] Both in the case of the above described embodiment and in
the case of the embodiment according to the illustration in FIG. 4,
it is possible to release the latching between the unit housing 2
and step-action indexing mechanism 11 following removal of the
cartridge 3 from the housing 2.
[0048] The illustration in FIG. 4a shows a further embodiment,
which builds on the configuration which is shown in FIG. 4. Thus,
in order to secure the cartridge 3 further--in addition to
conventional clamping of the valve tube 5 in the supporting portion
9 on the hand-held-unit housing--provision is made for the
cartridge 3 to be blocked in the region of the upper annular
housing part 6. Obliquely downwardly directed restraining fingers
55 thus project from the inner lateral wall of this upper annular
housing part 6 and are formed integrally therewith, from the same
material. These restraining fingers 55 are positioned such that
their free peripheral edges, positioned in relation to the
cartridge 3, pass with blocking action into that narrowed region of
the cartridge 3 which is formed behind the cartridge head 4, in
order to thus block the cartridge 3. Furthermore, the restraining
fingers 55 are formed such that, at least when the housing 2 is
initially assembled with the cartridge 3, the cartridge head 4 can
pass over them. It is also the case with this insertion operation,
however, that no counting takes place.
[0049] The illustration in FIG. 5 shows a further embodiment. In
this embodiment, the cartridge 3 is also secured on the upper
inhaler housing part 6 by means of restraining fingers 55. This
upper inhaler housing part 6 can be released from the lower housing
part 7, which forms the mouthpiece 8, the two housing parts 6 and 7
being separated approximately in the region where the plate-like
step-action indexing-mechanism housing 34 is positioned. When the
two housing parts 6 and 7 have been put together, they are
preferably latched, for which purpose one housing part has a
latching nose and the other housing part has a correspondingly
placed latching recess.
[0050] As a result of this separation being possible, the
mouthpiece 8, in particular the angled portion which contains the
step portion 9, is easier to clean. This cleaning is further
facilitated in that the entire step-action indexing mechanism 11,
which is in the form of a compact subassembly, can be removed
extremely straightforwardly from the lower housing part 7 and thus
passed on for separated cleaning without the risk of any counting
steps taking place.
[0051] The exemplary embodiment illustrated does not provide any
securing means--for example latching protrusions 51 which interact
with collar portions 52. Rather, the step-action indexing mechanism
11 as a whole is secured in the lower housing part 7 in conjunction
with the cartridge 3 in the use position, with the step-action
indexing mechanism 11 being aligned between the supporting portion
9 and the facing end surface of the cartridge head 4 (as is also
illustrated with reference to the embodiment which is shown in FIG.
4a). It is also the case that there is no risk of damage during
washing, etc., of the removed step-action indexing mechanism.
[0052] It is also the case in this embodiment that the step-action
indexing mechanism 11 is secured against rotary displacement about
the axis x-x by a positive connection between the step-action
indexing mechanism 11 and lower housing part 7.
[0053] All features disclosed are (in themselves) pertinent to the
invention. The disclosure content of the associated/attached
priority documents (copy of the prior application) is hereby also
included in full in the disclosure of the application, also for the
purpose of incorporating features of these documents in claims of
the present application.
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